This is a vital subject for discussion. Guru Sahib has blessed us with a Saroop (appearance) that cannot be hidden even among lakhs of people. A Gursikh stands out because of his hair, beard, Dastaar, and Baana. These outward signs of the Khalsa are not ones that can be removed at will; they are an integral part of the personality of a Khalsa.

1. A Sikh carries immense responsibility on his (or her) shoulders at all times. His actions can bring either honour or dishonour, not only to himself but also to the entire community, and above all, to Guru Sahib.

2. A Sikh is never alone. Guru is always ang-sang (close). Wherever a Sikh goes, his Guru goes with him. Therefore, a Sikh should never go to a place where he would not like to see his Guru going.

3. Continuing from point 1, another way of understanding this is that Guru Sahib is always with His Gursikh. However, if a Gursikh chooses to go to a manmukhi place, he does so at his own peril, for Guru Sahib would not accompany him there. In such places, he would be without the protection of Guru Sahib. This alone should be enough to stop a Gursikh from going to a manmukhi venue.

4. Some may argue what harm there could be in merely visiting a manmukhi place. For them, this pankiti is given: ਵੜੀਐ ਕਜਲ ਕੋਠੜੀ ਮੁਹੁ ਕਾਲਖ ਭਰੀਐ॥ (If we enter a room full of kajjal (surma, black powder), our face is most likely to get blackened).

5. When Sikh girls from villages and cities first began attending college (many decades ago), it was common for their fathers to emotionally remind them not to do anything that would stain their turban. A daughter or sister is the izzat of the entire family, and her bad reputation can damage the family’s honour for generations. This alone was once enough to keep Sikh girls on the righteous path, but now times have changed.

6. Continuing from the previous point, in the same way, the bad actions of Sikh boys and girls bring shame to the entire Panth. We are sons and daughters of Guru Sahib, and we should never commit any sin that would stain our Father’s turban. Gurbani makes this clear: ਪ੍ਰਭ ਤੇ ਜਨੁ ਜਾਨੀਜੈ ਜਨ ਤੇ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥2॥ Vaheguru is known through His servants, and His servants are known through their Master. In other words, the good actions of Bhagats make Vaheguru proud.

7. Dastaar-wearing Sikh Bibiyaan who uphold the dignity of their appearance are truly respected. Sadly, nowadays, some sisters and daughters who wear a Dastaar do not hesitate to wear skin-tight pants or tops that reveal their bodies. In Gurmat, the most appropriate attire is Baana. However, if wearing Baana is not possible, then at the very least, clothing should not reveal the body. Only such pious Bibiyaan, who follow this Hukam, can be called the proud daughters of Siri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

8. For young Sikh men and boys, the most appropriate attire is Baana. If, for any reason, they are not wearing Baana, they should wear simple, modest clothing rather than flashy outfits. Some may try to show off their muscles with tight clothes, but such behaviour is considered manmukhi and should be avoided by true seekers of Guru Sahib.